Olivier Giroud will make an emotional return to Montpellier when Arsenal visits the French champions in their opening Champions League encounter Tuesday.
"To return to Montpellier is very special because I spent two very happy years there which were fantastic," Giroud said. "Montpellier is a family club and I left a lot of friends behind -- everybody who works at the club and the players.
"I spent a beautiful, wonderful season there last year when we were champions and won the title. It was a fantastic achievement for Montpellier to win the French championship and there was a lot of emotion when we won.
"It will be difficult for me to play against Montpellier, because there is a lot of emotion and I have so many good memories of last season. I left a lot of friends and it's going to be great to see them.
"But only after the game will I talk to anyone. This is an important match and I will be concentrating on it. I will not speak with my friends until afterwards."
Giroud has yet to find the target in an Arsenal shirt, but admitted, were he to score against his former club, the celebrations would be minimal, even if it was his first goal for Arsenal. "I want to score in every match, but if I score against Montpellier I will keep the celebration small," he said. "That is normal for anybody, for the club and Montpellier fans.
"It will be out of my respect to my old club
"I'm an Arsenal player and I want to score and to win this game for Arsenal. It will be my first game in the Champions League, so I want to win it.
"Of course we are playing against Montpellier, but it is an important game for Arsenal and I have to forget it's Montpellier for 90 minutes."
The French international striker cannot wait to experience the Champions League for the first time. "It is always important to play in the Champions League to continue your progression as a footballer," he said.
"I'm looking forward to play against very good teams and to having the experience of the Champions League with Arsenal.
"I have found my first months at Arsenal good. I think the team have played well. I am confident that the season will be good."
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